A vehicle communication system includes an on-board vehicle communication module and a remote communication module. The on-board vehicle communication module includes a light source that is configured to be modulated in order to transmit data, an on-board controller that controls the light source and an on-board memory that is operably coupled to the on-board controller such that the on-board controller can obtain data from the on-board memory for transmission by the light source. The remote communication module includes a light receiver that is sensitive to the modulated light provided by the light source forming part of the on-board vehicle communication module. In some cases, the vehicle communication system enables bidirectional communication between the vehicle communication module and the remote communication module.